Elsie’s pov

The cold hospital air still clung to my skin as I stood by the window, staring at the chaos of the city below. Each honking horn, each bustling pedestrian reminded me of a world I hadn’t touched in weeks. My reflection in the glass was almost unrecognizable pale skin, tired eyes, and hair that looked like it hadn’t met a comb in years.

I needed out.

The door opened behind me, and I turned to see Dr. Lee stride in, clipboard in hand. A group of interns trailed behind him like ducklings. His kind smile didn’t fool me; I knew he was about to put me through the...